If there is one thing we know to be true about Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, it's that he's not afraid to make major changes.
The most recent example of Payton making a huge change is obviously his decision to strip away play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Davis Webb, but that's not the only example. He made the decision to cut Russell Wilson, even though it led to the biggest dead cap charge in NFL history (at the time).
He has previously benched players in-season, like Randy Gregory and Frank Clark. Heck, he benched Wilson during that 2023 season for the final two games.
Given the fact that Payton is not afraid to make major changes to his lineup and roster, it might not be out of the question to expect some lineup changes for the team's matchup against the Cardinals in Week 7. What are some lineup changes to be on the lookout for?
5 lineup changes Sean Payton and the Broncos must consider ahead of Week 7
1. RJ Harvey and Jonah Coleman take over primary RB duties
One of the biggest concerns with the Denver Broncos' offense right now is the running back position. With the Colts firing general manager Chris Ballard, it would be really awesome to see the Broncos try and swing a trade for Jonathan Taylor with whoever ends up as the interim GM.
That may be wishful thinking at this point, but you never know. At any rate, the Broncos have solutions for their running game woes on the roster right now, including rookie Jonah Coleman making his way back from injured reserve.
We've seen enough from Coleman, even in a limited sample, to believe that he can be a featured every-down back for this offense. On top of that, RJ Harvey has been running quite well in his limited opportunities this season.
Regardless, the last two games have given us the type of sample we needed in order to prove that JK Dobbins is simply not "himself" in 2026. Over the past two games, Dobbins has received 40 total touches and has just 120 total yards to show for it. Even if the offensive line has to take its share of the blame for the run game woes, Dobbins is simply not creating as much as he did a season ago.
2. Jahdae Barron replaces Riley Moss opposite Pat Surtain II
Is it possible that Riley Moss has been "Wally Pipp'd" by Jahdae Barron.
Yes, it's absolutely possible.
Moss has missed some time this year -- preseason and regular season now -- due to a rib injury he suffered when falling on a fumble in the preseason. He was back for the Seahawks' game in the rotation, but the Broncos were still primarily rolling with the duo of Jahdae Barron and Kris Abrams-Draine. Moss only came in for certain packages.
While he's been in the lineup and getting some regular snaps, we've seen the talent on display that made Barron a 1st-round pick in the first place. He brings a physical presence to the position, but the way his confidence has grown since stepping in against the 49ers when Moss (and Pat Surtain) went down has been notable.
Against Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Barron played a really good game. He was given a really difficult assignment, and even on some of the plays in which Smith-Njigba caught passes, Barron was in perfect position.
The interesting part of all this is that Moss is in the final year of his contract with the team. Barron is only in the second year of his rookie deal and Kris Abrams-Draine has two years left on his deal.
The Broncos don't really have any sort of long-term obligation to the often penalized Moss to keep him in the lineup if other guys who actually have a long-term future with the team are playing well.
3. Jonathon Cooper enters the mix (obviously)
Here is the obvious one coming for Week 7: Jonathon Cooper is back.
We don't really have to speculate about that as Cooper has been removed from the Commissioner's Exempt List, and will be available for the Broncos against Arizona. Heck, the team even has a roster exemption for him until Monday after the game.
Cooper's return to the field happens to be rather timely, as third-year player Jonah Elliss was seen at the CU-Utah game over the weekend in a boot and crutches. He's probably going to miss some time.
In the meantime, the Broncos will have Cooper breaking back into the rotation along with Nik Bonitto, Que Robinson, and Dondrea Tillman. And that unit should be as dangerous as ever. Cooper is going to be extremely motivated to prove himself upon his return.
4. Alex Palczewski replaces Ben Powers at left guard
One of the easiest changes the Broncos can make to their struggling offensive line is to replace starting left guard Ben Powers.
Powers looks like a guy who was asked to take a pay cut this offseason after multiple injuries last year. He is simply not finding work, he's missing blocks, and he's been a liability so far this season on the interior.
If the Broncos didn't have any alternatives on the roster, they might have to just keep sticking with Powers, but they do have alternatives. One of them is Alex Palczewski, who started 10 games for the team last season in place of the injured Powers, and has started 13 games over the last two years at left guard and right tackle combined.
Palczewski wasn't exactly playing like an All-Pro at left guard last season, but he was solid out there. Once again, he's under contract next year while Powers isn't. It's time for the Broncos to recognize their mistake in seemingly guaranteeing Powers a starting spot after accepting his pay cut.
5. Alex Forsyth replaces Luke Wattenberg at center
Another necessary change on the Broncos' offensive line right now happens to be at the center position. Luke Wattenberg, less than a year removed from getting a big-money contract from the team, has proven to be a liability at the position.
Anyone getting pushed back on a QB sneak at the center position needs to be held accountable, but Wattenberg's issues go beyond that.
Although he's been touted as a really smart player at the center position, Wattenberg can't seem to figure out how to snap the ball directly to his quarterback. He's not the only center whose snaps are inaccurate, but it feels like his snaps are really inaccurate, and on a rather consistent basis.
It's maddening, at best; Replacement-worthy at a minimum. Somehow, the Broncos have continued to allow it.
With Alex Forsyth sitting on the sideline, they have an opportunity to bench Wattenberg for his poor play. Forsyth has started 6 games over the last two seasons combined as an injury replacement, and anytime he's played, the running game has improved. He's not as athletic as Wattenberg, but he's more physical.
It's time for the Broncos to admit they were wrong to re-sign Wattenberg and give Forsyth a shot to play again.
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